How Deans’ Duets Began

April and Megan began studying the violin at the age of 3 via the Suzuki method. Our grandmother (Nana) saw an advertisement on the cable channel about teaching 3 year olds to learn the violin, and mom signed us up!  We did not come from a musical family, so this was a huge leap for mom, as she learned along with us and became our coach at home.  April started lessons at age 3, and Megan began studying 2 years later when she turned 3. 

We both began studying piano around age 10 as well.  Music was always part of our lives, and we don’t remember a time when we ever didn’t play the violin!  We’re grateful to our family for consistency and perseverance in our studies.  There were absolutely phases when we no longer wanted to play, but quitting wasn’t an option.  We’re grateful for this now!

As we grew as musicians, we played for our first wedding when April was 11 and Megan was 9.   We were little adrenaline junkies and loved the thrill of playing for such an important moment.  We took it very seriously but could never truly understand the importance of the moment we were witnessing.  As we have grown, so has the gravity of the importance of the moments we witness and create.

When April was 16 and started driving, Pa (our grandfather) suggested making business cards and calling ourselves “Deans’ Duets,” so we did!  We printed them on our home computer, distributed them at bridal and alterations shops, and even played for some small bridal shows!  During that year, we played for about 20 weddings.  

We both went to college and continued playing and studying.  (See our individual bios for awards, scholarships, etc.).  But weddings remained a part of our lives.  As clients began to ask if we could play with a guitar or a harp, we figured it out and gradually started adding to our team.  Every year our growth is organic, following the path of what our clients need and how we can provide what is needed in the corporate event and wedding worlds.  What began as violin duets blossomed into violin with guitar, piano, harp, or cello.  This progressed into trios, quartets, and small orchestras.  In recent years, we have added jazz and bluegrass, as well as electric or “plugged in” instruments with DJ/tracks.

When clients ask us for new songs or new services, we like to say YES!  It allows us to continue learning, to broaden our services, and most importantly, to help fulfill the vision of our clients.

Wherever the road has led, it has been exciting!  We’ve learned so much along the way, and we’ve learned that there is no substitute for experience.  Just when we think we’ve seen everything, we realize we haven’t!  But we have seen a lot, and this experience has prepared us to provide excellent services for our clients.